MMP-9, a new fecal biomarker in the differential diagnosis of functional and organic gastrointestinal pathologies

Background: Abdominal pain and dyscomfort are characteristic symptoms of both organic and functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Intensive research aims to find non-invasive biomarkers which can be used in the differential diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome from inflammatory bowel diseases or gastrointestinal malignancies. Matrix-metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) is a collagenase produced in several inflammatory conditions and different types of tumours. Recently we have shown elevated fecal MMP-9 levels in ulcerative colitis patients compared to healthy controls. Aims: Our aims were to compare fecal MMP-9 level…